_Lady Maisie_ (_flushing_). Now, RHODA, I won't have you talking as if--as if---- _You_ ought to know, if GERALD THICKNESSE doesn't, that it's nothing at all of that sort! It's just---- Oh, I can't _tell_ you how some of his poems moved me, what new ideas, wider views they seemed to teach; and then how _dreadfully_ it hurt to think it was only Mr. SPURRELL after all!... But _now_--oh, the _relief_ of finding they're not spoilt; that I can still admire, still look up to the man who wrote them! Not to have to feel that he is quite commonplace--not even a gentleman--in the ordinary sense!
_Lady Rhoda_ (_rising_). Ah well, I prefer a hero who looks as if he had his hair cut, occasionally--but then, I'm not romantic. He may be the paragon you say; but if I was you, my dear, I wouldn't expect too much of that young man--allow a margin for shrinkage, don't you know. And now I think I'll turn into my little crib, for I'm dead tired. Good night; don't sit up late readin' poetry; it's my opinion you've read quite enough as it is!
_Lady Maisie_ (_alone, as she gazes dreamily into the fire_). She doesn't in the _least_ understand! She actually suspects me of---- As if I could possibly--or as if Mamma would ever--even if _he_---- Oh, how _silly_ I am!... I don't care! I _am_ glad I haven't had to give up my ideal. I _should_ like to know him better. What harm is there in that? And if GERALD chooses to go to-morrow, he must--that's all. He isn't nearly so nice as he used to be; and he has even _less_ imagination than ever! I don't think I _could_ care for anybody so absolutely matter-of-fact. And yet, only an hour ago I almost----But that was _before_!
BY BEN TROVATO.--Mr. ARTHUR ROBERTS is always interested in current events, with a view to new verses for his topical songs. A friend came up to him one day last week with the latest _Globe_ in his hand, just as the Eminent One was ordering dinner for a party of four. "They're sure to take Port Arthur!" cried the friend, excitedly. "I never touch it myself," said Mr. ROBERTS, "but I'll order a bottle."
WITH A DIFFERENCE.--It is common enough, alas! for a man of high aspirations to be "sorely disappointed," but it is quite a new thing to be "sorely appointed," which is the case with Professor W. R. SORLEY, who has recently been placed in the Moral Philosopher's Chair at the University of Aberdeen.